iHav works with architects, developers and M&E consultants on high-end residential projects. We help you treat AV and network as core infrastructure, not an afterthought – reducing risk, controlling costs and increasing the value of the finished property.

If you need an AV partner for high-end residential schemes, we can support you from early design through to handover.

Most AV problems we see are not equipment problems – they are design and coordination problems.

When AV is left vague until late stages, projects often suffer from:

• No space allocated for AV/network racks and ventilation
• No planned cable routes or risers for AV and data
• Wi-Fi and network left to a basic ISP router
• Last-minute changes to ceilings, joinery and finishes
• Variations, provisional sums and disputes once the AV package is priced

By RIBA Stage 3, layouts and planning are being frozen. If AV scope and infrastructure are still unclear at this point, any changes later are more disruptive and more expensive.

Most AV problems we see are not equipment problems – they are design and coordination problems.

When AV is left vague until late stages, projects often suffer from:

• No space allocated for AV/network racks and ventilation
• No planned cable routes or risers for AV and data
• Wi-Fi and network left to a basic ISP router
• Last-minute changes to ceilings, joinery and finishes
• Variations, provisional sums and disputes once the AV package is priced

By RIBA Stage 3, layouts and planning are being frozen. If AV scope and infrastructure are still unclear at this point, any changes later are more disruptive and more expensive.

• Which spaces are AV-critical (cinema, media room, multiroom audio, garden, home office)?
• What level of integration is expected (standalone systems vs fully integrated smart home)?
• What performance level is appropriate for the target buyer and development?

• Where will the AV and network rack be located?
• How many cables will need to be routed through the building and externally?
• How do TV, speaker and Wi-Fi access point locations coordinate with structure and services?

• How will robust, whole-home Wi-Fi be delivered?
• How reliant will the client be on Wi-Fi calling in that area?
• Does the client like to move around whilst on a phone call?
• Which devices must be hard-wired for reliability?
• How is future proofing (conduits, spare capacity, fibre) being considered?

We help you answer these questions early, so AV becomes a designed, tender-ready package – not a bolt-on.

We begin with a focused briefing session with the architect, developer and/or M&E consultant to understand:

• Target client expectations
• Spaces and external areas requiring AV and data
• Required level of integration and performance
• Budget band for AV and network

Outcome: a clear AV scope and performance brief aligned with the project.

We design the backbone that makes everything work:

• Central rack locations with adequate space, access and ventilation
• Cable routes and risers for AV and data, coordinated with structure and M&E
• Network and Wi-Fi strategy integrated into the services design
• Heatmaps for Wi-Fi coverage

This includes a room-by-room AV and data matrix so the whole team can see what each space is expected to do.

We convert the agreed scope and infrastructure into documentation that can be priced and delivered:

• Room-by-room AV matrix
• Outline/tender specification
• Drawings, schematics and equipment schedules where appropriate

Outcome: a fixed, clearly defined AV package that can be priced accurately and compared fairly.

Optional – Support during tender and construction

Where helpful, we can:

• Answer technical queries from contractors during tender
• Coordinate with the appointed contractor/electrician during installation
• Carry out site visits to check cabling and infrastructure before finishes go in
• Commission the AV and network systems and provide a comprehensive client handover

Programme – fewer surprises, less rework

• Reduced late design changes and clashes with structure and services
• Less ceiling and joinery rework caused by unplanned cabling or equipment
• More predictable programmes and fewer site conflicts around AV

Budget – fixed, not flexible, AV costs before tender

• AV priced like any other package, with fewer provisional sums
• Reduced variations and scope creep
• Clearer expectations between client, contractor and design team

Property value – AV as a selling point

High-end buyers now expect:

• Strong, reliable Wi-Fi throughout the property
• Discreet, well-integrated audio and video
• Simple, reliable control

Well-designed AV and network infrastructure:

• Enhances the marketing story (cinema rooms, whole-home audio, lighting control)
• Reduces post-completion complaints and call-backs
• Increases perceived quality and value in the eyes of buyers and agents

Ongoing support and partnership

We aim to be a long-term AV partner for your practice, not just a supplier on one project.

CPD-style training

We can provide CPD-style or informal training sessions for your team on topics such as:

• Smart home fundamentals for high-end residential projects
• AV and multiroom audio design basics
• Lighting control and shading integration
• Networks and Wi-Fi as the “fourth utility”

Sessions can be delivered in your office, online or at a demo facility.

Focused updates on relevant technology

We filter the market and share:

• New products and platforms that are genuinely relevant to your schemes
• Practical guidance on stable, proven solutions for high-end residential AV
• Early warnings on technologies or approaches that may create risk or regret

Manufacturer and showroom visits

We can arrange:

• Private tours of key manufacturers’ facilities
• Visits to working showrooms and demo cinemas
• Joint client visits to help align expectations before designs are locked in

i-Hav is based near Oxford and typically works on high-end residential AV and smart home projects within the following areas:

• The Cotswolds
• Oxfordshire
• London
• Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
• Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and surrounding regions